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Through courses in literature, film, poetry, culture and creative writing, our students learn to read closely, think critically and write well. Our faculty incorporate an increasing number of perspectives and traditions into their teaching and research.

Department Highlights

The Major

Students majoring in English are encouraged to explore the department’s wide range of offerings in literature, film, culture and creative writing.

Notable Writers

The Amherst English Department has been home to many renowned writers, including Robert Frost, Richard Wilbur, Eve Sedgwick, James Merrill, David Ferry, Dan Chiasson, Lauren Groff and David Foster Wallace.

After Amherst

Our alumni go on to careers in writing, publishing, business, government, the economic sector, nonprofits, academia and more. They are an excellent resource for current students.

Folger Library

Amherst’s Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., offers opportunities to study and engage in cultural and arts programs, including scholarships to conduct research there during summer and interterm breaks.

Rare Books in our Classrooms

Amherst students are able to examine Wordworth’s own books, as well as Medieval manuscripts, theatrical holdings, Native American literature, and books by and about Robert Frost held in our archival collections.

Our History

Literary Amherst

Amherst is one of the world’s premier writing colleges, with an enviable literary legacy. Our outstanding faculty and alumni include influential and award-winning novelists, poets, journalists and critics, and our renowned literary publications are read around the world.

The book is alive and well in the Pioneer Valley! From bookstores, to cafes, to public benches, everywhere you look in Amherst you're going to see someone reading a book. English majors feel right at home.